Flashes and Floaters: When Should You Worry?
Flashes and floaters are common eye symptoms, but sudden changes can sometimes signal a retinal tear or detachment. Learn which symptoms need an urgent eye examination.
Have you ever noticed tiny black dots, threads, cobwebs or shadows moving across your vision? Or brief flashes of light, especially when you look towards the side .These symptoms are called floaters and flashes.
Most people who come to an eye clinic with floaters are relieved to hear that they are harmless. But there is one situation I don’t want anyone to ignore: a sudden change in your usual vision.They are very common and, in many people, are harmless. However, if they appear suddenly or change significantly, they can sometimes be an early warning sign of a problem with the retina.
Knowing when to ignore them and when to get your eyes checked can help protect your vision.
What are floaters?
Floaters are small spots, lines, rings or cobweb-like shapes that seem to move across your field of vision. You may notice them more clearly when looking at something bright, such as a clear sky or a white wall.
They are usually caused by changes in the vitreous, the clear gel that fills the inside of the eye. As we grow older, this gel naturally becomes more liquid and can gradually pull away from the retina.
If you have had a few floaters for a long time and they have remained unchanged, they are usually not a cause for concern.
Why do flashes happen?
Flashes of light can look like brief streaks or flashes, sometimes similar to lightning or a camera flash.
They can occur when the vitreous gel pulls on the retina. This can happen as part of normal age-related changes, but occasionally the pulling can cause a retinal tear.
A retinal tear can sometimes progress to a retinal detachment, where the retina separates from the back of the eye. Without timely treatment, this can lead to permanent vision loss.
When should you see an eye doctor urgently?
You should seek an urgent eye examination if you notice:
- A sudden increase in the number of floaters
- New flashes of light
- A dark curtain or shadow coming across your vision
- A sudden decrease in vision
- Loss of vision in part of your visual field
- New floaters or flashes after an eye injury or eye surgery
A particularly important warning sign is a curtain-like shadow or dark area in your vision. Do not wait for this symptom to disappear on its own.
Does every floater mean there is a retinal problem?
No.
Most floaters are harmless, particularly when they have been present for a long time without any change.
What matters most is a sudden change from what is normal for you.
For example, seeing one or two stable floaters for several years is very different from suddenly noticing many new floaters along with flashes of light.
Because a retinal tear cannot be diagnosed based on symptoms alone, an eye examination is important when these warning signs appear.
What happens during an eye examination?
Your ophthalmologist will examine the inside of your eye and may use dilating eye drops to get a better view of the retina.
Depending on what is found, additional tests such as retinal imaging or an ultrasound examination may sometimes be needed.
If a retinal tear is detected early, it can often be treated before it progresses to a retinal detachment.
Who should be particularly careful?
Although retinal problems can occur in anyone, the risk may be higher in people with:
- High myopia (short-sightedness)
- Previous eye surgery
- Previous eye injury
- Previous retinal tear or retinal detachment
- A family history of retinal detachment
If you have any of these risk factors, discuss them with your ophthalmologist and make sure you know what symptoms to look out for.
The most important thing to remember
Don’t panic about every floater, but don’t ignore sudden changes in your vision.
Most floaters are harmless. However, sudden new floaters, flashes, a curtain-like shadow or sudden loss of vision require prompt eye evaluation.
When it comes to the retina, early detection can make a significant difference.
If you experience sudden changes in your vision, don’t wait for them to settle on their own. Get your eyes examined promptly.
